Database Users

[Q] First time Tablet/Android buyer.

Hello all,
I just ordered a new Note 10.1 from Costco.com (32 gig) and from reading reviews and such I was thrown into the world of rooting. For my job, we were given iPhones so I've really only had an iPhone and am used to the iOS. Not a fan. Have always wanted to try Android but have never been thrown into it.
Are there any good guides out there to help me better understand rooting, etc.? I understand that you have to unlock it, then flash a custom ROM. What happens when the newer version of that ROM comes out? Do you lose all of your Data? Can any mod be installed on any ROM? I just don't have a good understanding of how or what to do. Granted, I don't even have the tablet yet, however, I don't want to be completely lost when I get it. I do like the idea of rooting, given that you can install powerful apps that are only offered to rooted tablets.
This is my first post here and am hoping for some helpful responses of maybe some threads that I should read to help me understand things better.
Also, where do you find custom ROMS? Is there a certain section you have to go? Or are all the custom ROMS under the ANDROID DEVELOPMENT forum?
Thanks for the help.

Rooting gives you access to the base files of your device. Your device does not need to be "unlocked." That term refers to modifying the device to work with other carriers (i.e. Sprint, ATT, etc) other than the one it was built to work with. Basically, in order to root, you must first install a custom "recovery." CWM (Clockwork Mod Recovery) is probably the best one for our Notes. The recovery files can be downloaded in the development forums. Along with the program (Odin) that you use to get the recovery installed onto your Note. Once you have CWM installed you can then use a couple of different methods to root or install a custom rom that is already rooted (again look for these roms in the development areas of this forum). Make sure that you read and re-read the instructions that each developer lists on their forum until you feel comfortable and then follow the instructions to the letter! Not doing so can result in your Note really getting messed up. I have not rooted my note yet, however I have rooted and installed custom ROMs to several android phones that I have or have had and it can be really worth it to do so. Personally I am waiting for awhile with my Note for some easier and more reliable methods and ROMs to become available. Right now, I have a Samsung Infuse phone with CM10 installed and a Samsung Captivate with Slim Rom-Jellybean on it. I believe that early versions of both of these ROMs are already available for the Note 10.1. Of the two ROMs, I would probably go with CM10 - (Cyanogen Mod) as it seems to be more stable on my phones. Also, when you install a custom ROM on the Note 10.1, there is a binary counter that advances, that lets anyone who would have to work on it (like for warranty service), know that a custom ROM was installed and that would violate your warranty. There is already a modification available (again, in the development section), that resets this counter, so make sure that you research that too! Good Luck!!!

wd4oay said:
Rooting gives you access to the base files of your device. Your device does not need to be "unlocked." That term refers to modifying the device to work with other carriers (i.e. Sprint, ATT, etc) other than the one it was built to work with. Basically, in order to root, you must first install a custom "recovery." CWM (Clockwork Mod Recovery) is probably the best one for our Notes. The recovery files can be downloaded in the development forums. Along with the program (Odin) that you use to get the recovery installed onto your Note. Once you have CWM installed you can then use a couple of different methods to root or install a custom rom that is already rooted (again look for these roms in the development areas of this forum). Make sure that you read and re-read the instructions that each developer lists on their forum until you feel comfortable and then follow the instructions to the letter! Not doing so can result in your Note really getting messed up. I have not rooted my note yet, however I have rooted and installed custom ROMs to several android phones that I have or have had and it can be really worth it to do so. Personally I am waiting for awhile with my Note for some easier and more reliable methods and ROMs to become available. Right now, I have a Samsung Infuse phone with CM10 installed and a Samsung Captivate with Slim Rom-Jellybean on it. I believe that early versions of both of these ROMs are already available for the Note 10.1. Of the two ROMs, I would probably go with CM10 - (Cyanogen Mod) as it seems to be more stable on my phones. Also, when you install a custom ROM on the Note 10.1, there is a binary counter that advances, that lets anyone who would have to work on it (like for warranty service), know that a custom ROM was installed and that would violate your warranty. There is already a modification available (again, in the development section), that resets this counter, so make sure that you research that too! Good Luck!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are some of the main benefits to rooting then? I would think that if you have rooted a lot of phones you would for sure want your tablet rooted..?? Can you still perform mods to your tablet if it's NOT rooted? I saw someone with a cube on their homescreen with all their apps on it. It was 3D and pretty sweet looking. Will I be able to do stuff like that if I keep it stock.
Another thing, I read that you can't put apps on the expandable storage unless you root it...That is something I would like to do because I plan on putting games on it and such. Seems crappy you can't install some of the bigger apps on your 64 gig sd.

A lot is going to depend on which version of software you get initially on your tablet. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your tablet update the software when you first get it. The reason I say this is, if you have the older version of the software there is a very simple way to root your device. It's a simple install of one program and pushing a button. Very very easy.
If you get lucky and you get the older software and then root using the program I'm talking about, the next step is to spend $5 and buy Mobile Odin Pro. You can then download from here the latest software for your device and flash it using Mobile Odin with the ever root option. This will keep root on your new software. This will put you on the latest stock software and keep you rooted.
Custom ROMs can be nice. But I'd get my feet wet with the stock ROM before you start to jump into the Customs. First, stock on the Note 10.1 is pretty damn good. Second, you need to have some familiarity with what you want to be able to choose the right custom ROM to suit your needs. Finally, you'll give yourself some time to learn about your device so that you don't make a fatal mistake flashing, though most can be flashed using Mobile Odin.
Alas, if you get your Note and it turns out to have the latest ROM already, you can pretty much ignore everything I wrote.

just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw

midas69 said:
A lot is going to depend on which version of software you get initially on your tablet. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT let your tablet update the software when you first get it. The reason I say this is, if you have the older version of the software there is a very simple way to root your device. It's a simple install of one program and pushing a button. Very very easy.
If you get lucky and you get the older software and then root using the program I'm talking about, the next step is to spend $5 and buy Mobile Odin Pro. You can then download from here the latest software for your device and flash it using Mobile Odin with the ever root option. This will keep root on your new software. This will put you on the latest stock software and keep you rooted.
Custom ROMs can be nice. But I'd get my feet wet with the stock ROM before you start to jump into the Customs. First, stock on the Note 10.1 is pretty damn good. Second, you need to have some familiarity with what you want to be able to choose the right custom ROM to suit your needs. Finally, you'll give yourself some time to learn about your device so that you don't make a fatal mistake flashing, though most can be flashed using Mobile Odin.
Alas, if you get your Note and it turns out to have the latest ROM already, you can pretty much ignore everything I wrote.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know. Thank you.
jaydubbbbs said:
just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?

I read in sammobile that samsung will launch Note 8.0, it is true?
What do you think?

rooting
deeselcyde said:
That's good to know. Thank you.
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.

optimus43 said:
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's more reasons to root other than just flashing custom ROMs. As a matter of fact, you really don't even have to root to install a custom ROM, you just need a custom recovery installed.
Personally I'm fine with the stock ROM on this tablet even though I run custom ROMs on my phones. I did have a custom ROM installed for a few weeks that was little more than the stock ROM with a few tweaks. It didn't lose any functionality with regards to multi-screen or pen. But some of the other more customized ROMs do lose functionality.

optimus43 said:
I have rooted several phones but not this tablet. Why? because for me the stock rom is good enough that I personally dont see an advantage to rooting it. Some like to root and install roms for the fun of it but I need the tablet to work and dont have time to futs around with getting to know a new rom.
I also have the impression,correct me if I'm wrong, that with custom roms you loose some of the multiscreen functionality and some of the pen functionality? If true that alone would keep me on stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only thing I care about is having the ability to install Google Apps that can only be installed on rooted ROMS. I've read that there are a lot of great apps for rooted ONLY tablets. Also, some of those 3D cube thingy's that have all the app icons on it are kind of cool. I don't know if you can install those on a stock ROM..??

deeselcyde said:
That's good to know. Thank you.
Thank you. I'll check that out. Now, the process that you linked me to, will that give me the latest version ROM (4.2.1?). Another thing, once I root it, will I be able to have the Tablet automatically update and download 4.3, 4.4, etc. and so on? or will I have to manually download and install the new one every time it comes out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, it leaves the firmware as is and it simply gives you root access, i.e. administrative control over just about all processes that the tablet is capable of. It also allows you to flash custom ROMS. that method, along with the exynos exploit method ( not possible on 4.1.2), leave you as close to stock as possible . and leaves the official recovery. Someone will undoubtedly correct me if I am wrong, but so long as you don't flash a custom ROM, I believe you can still update through OTA. I know you can through KIES. If you do go with a custom ROM, I'm pretty sure you lose all the touch wiz goodies, like multi screen as another noted above. and likely would have to use ODIN or mobile ODIN to update.

deeselcyde said:
What are some of the main benefits to rooting then? I would think that if you have rooted a lot of phones you would for sure want your tablet rooted..?? Can you still perform mods to your tablet if it's NOT rooted? I saw someone with a cube on their homescreen with all their apps on it. It was 3D and pretty sweet looking. Will I be able to do stuff like that if I keep it stock.
Another thing, I read that you can't put apps on the expandable storage unless you root it...That is something I would like to do because I plan on putting games on it and such. Seems crappy you can't install some of the bigger apps on your 64 gig sd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Custom apps such as multi window manager. Custom roms if you wish. Overclock cpu with tegrak on stock rooted, it does sometimes come in handy to be safely overclocked. personally this tablet is so good off the shelf you dont NEED a custom rom but that overclock is good. Ability to access and change root files such as dolphin preference in order to make it work with flash player. More reliable backups of apps and data with titanium backup. There are a plethera of reasons for rooting a tablet. But do be cautious.

Don't forget you need root for AdAway. You also need root if you want to play around (very dangerous) with the build.prop file to try to install programs that the Play Store says aren't compatible.

deeselcyde said:
The only thing I care about is having the ability to install Google Apps that can only be installed on rooted ROMS. I've read that there are a lot of great apps for rooted ONLY tablets. Also, some of those 3D cube thingy's that have all the app icons on it are kind of cool. I don't know if you can install those on a stock ROM..??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 3d cube things I think your talking about are scroll effects, like cube, sphere or card stack. You dont need to be rooted for these, you can just download a launcher (nova, apex, adw) from the play store and change the effects in there.
Sent from my GT-N8010 using xda app-developers app

jaydubbbbs said:
just to give you one more thing to think about.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1957002
stock is nice btw
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One more question about that link. So once I follow the instructions provided in the link to root my Note 10.1, will I still have the custom ROM? And, will I be able to auto update from Samsung or whoever whenever a new version of the Android ROM comes out? I don't necessarily care about having someones custom ROM, I just want the benefits of using the GAPPS that I wouldn't be able to use if I wasn't rooted.
Thanks.

A few questions about Custom ROM's.

Hey guys,
I am almost new to android hence these questions. Been using the iphone for years, hence never dealt with custom roms but just firmwares that was customized for jailbreaking.
Hence please dont flame, i have done my research, but still in have a few questions left unanswered, i am sure they are answered on the forum, but i might take my chances on opening this thread and see if a helpful soul guides me through.
I have a rooted Verizon Note 3 with baseband version N900VVRUBMI9 (SM-N900V) I managed to root it at the time when there were no custom roms. Now that i see multiple developers have come up with fantastic looking and functioning roms, i am compelled to take this leap with anodroid to the next level of trying to flash these roms myself on the phone.
1. Will i loose all the data if i install a rom? I believe people do backup their data etc on the sd card, and in the recovery option you get that option, but can you backup every single data that your app creates and stores?
2. I see a few custom roms like Dr. ketan's rom, Lidroid's, Poppuri etc.. i am not asking whats the best, but when choosing a rom.. how do you ascertain? what do you look for? How do you deciede this is the rom i am going to install.
3. Under the worst case scenario what can happen if your rom is not correctly installed? are there chances you might brick your phone in such a way you wont be able to put it back to factory settings?
Please try to reply to whatever you can. I did google and read on the forums, and was able to get an answer to a lot of my previously held up questions.

MANswers said:
1. Will i loose all the data if i install a rom? I believe people do backup their data etc on the sd card, and in the recovery option you get that option, but can you backup every single data that your app creates and stores?
2. I see a few custom roms like Dr. ketan's rom, Lidroid's, Poppuri etc.. i am not asking whats the best, but when choosing a rom.. how do you ascertain? what do you look for? How do you deciede this is the rom i am going to install.
3. Under the worst case scenario what can happen if your rom is not correctly installed? are there chances you might brick your phone in such a way you wont be able to put it back to factory settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mate.
1. It really depends on which rom you are coming from. If you flash a rom based on the same firmware as yours, you can probably get away without wiping data. Some roms will state "require full wipe" in which case, yes, you lose all apps and their associated data. (You won't lose your sdcard data such as media and downloads).
There are apps that you can use to backup your apps and their data, such as Titanium Backup (my favourite), rom toolbox and others. Not sure about free apps for this but I bet they exist. Titanium lets you restore apps and their data
2. It depends on what is available and what you like. There are generally two types of roms. Touchwiz (TW) based roms and then the other variants that are based on a form of stock android (examples CM, Paranoid, AOKP etc). Touchwiz roms are based on the Samsung software, so they have all the s-pen stuff, the samsung apps, the Touchwiz interface etc.
The other roms will have a stock Android look. They can have other features such as Pie Controls, Halo etc.
The other type of roms aren't yet available for our phone.
3. I don't think you could brick it unless you flash a rom that is meant for a different device, and maybe screw up the bootloader in the process. The worst I have experienced is from not wiping my data when switching from different roms, and restoring old SYSTEM data, which made things go weird for me.
If you get Titanium Backup, do not backup ALL data. That will cause you issues. Just backup the apps you want, and maybe some system data such as text messages. There are some decent tutorials on using this app.
I hope some of this helps.
I doubt you will brick your device if you flash roms meant for your phone. Just read a lot, follow the instructions, and always always keep a nandroid backup in your CWM or TWRP recovery.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

danieljamie said:
Hi mate.
1. It really depends on which rom you are coming from. If you flash a rom based on the same firmware as yours, you can probably get away without wiping data. Some roms will state "require full wipe" in which case, yes, you lose all apps and their associated data. (You won't lose your sdcard data such as media and downloads).
There are apps that you can use to backup your apps and their data, such as Titanium Backup (my favourite), rom toolbox and others. Not sure about free apps for this but I bet they exist. Titanium lets you restore apps and their data
2. It depends on what is available and what you like. There are generally two types of roms. Touchwiz (TW) based roms and then the other variants that are based on a form of stock android (examples CM, Paranoid, AOKP etc). Touchwiz roms are based on the Samsung software, so they have all the s-pen stuff, the samsung apps, the Touchwiz interface etc.
The other roms will have a stock Android look. They can have other features such as Pie Controls, Halo etc.
The other type of roms aren't yet available for our phone.
3. I don't think you could brick it unless you flash a rom that is meant for a different device, and maybe screw up the bootloader in the process. The worst I have experienced is from not wiping my data when switching from different roms, and restoring old SYSTEM data, which made things go weird for me.
If you get Titanium Backup, do not backup ALL data. That will cause you issues. Just backup the apps you want, and maybe some system data such as text messages. There are some decent tutorials on using this app.
I hope some of this helps.
I doubt you will brick your device if you flash roms meant for your phone. Just read a lot, follow the instructions, and always always keep a nandroid backup in your CWM or TWRP recovery.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your fantastic response.. This helped a lot. I do use Titanium Backup, and take a daily backup of the new apps and changed data.
Android is a fantastic phone, i was living under the rock for all these years using the iphone. I think i missed out all the good fun that the earlier versions of android brought to the community as the learning curve was really great. Now with all the advancement.. i am having a little bit hard time catching up.. But i will do my best to get to know it.
Have another question here.. on the Note 3 verizon section i see multiple developers have posted their ROM's and thousands of people have downloaded them and have been using it. Does it mean that I can install every ROM posted on the Verizon Note 3 section? Meaning are they all compatible with the Verizon version of Note 3? Or should i be specifically looking forward to using the ROM thats marked with baseband version N900VVRUBMI9 (SM-N900V)?
Such as this..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520550
Or could i use any of the rom thats within the Samsung Verizon Note 3 section?
I dont fully get the part where there are two kinds of ROM's available, when you says TouchWiz based ROM's and other variants such as CM, Paranoid, AOKP etc..
Can i installing other launchers such as Buzz Launcher or Nova on these two kinds?

So it looks like i just have one option to install for my baseband N900VVRUBMI9 (SM-N900V) its the hyperdrive.. is that correct?

MANswers said:
Have another question here.. on the Note 3 verizon section i see multiple developers have posted their ROM's and thousands of people have downloaded them and have been using it. Does it mean that I can install every ROM posted on the Verizon Note 3 section? Meaning are they all compatible with the Verizon version of Note 3? Or should i be specifically looking forward to using the ROM thats marked with baseband version N900VVRUBMI9 (SM-N900V)?
Such as this..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2520550
Or could i use any of the rom thats within the Samsung Verizon Note 3 section?
I dont fully get the part where there are two kinds of ROM's available, when you says TouchWiz based ROM's and other variants such as CM, Paranoid, AOKP etc..
Can i installing other launchers such as Buzz Launcher or Nova on these two kinds?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, THINK, that you can use any rom for SM-N900V. Notice the end of the rom build number is MI9.. they are chronological, MI9, MJ1, MJ3, MJ6, MJ7... generally try not to go down... up is ususally better..
It might benefit you to just ask in the relevant threads if your specific device is supported, as I'm not that sure about verizon phones.
Touchwiz is a launcher, and yes on the Samsung based roms, the launcher can be replaced with Nova.
The difference is on CM, it is based on stock Android. So the settings, phone, messages, all those apps aren't themed like the samsung versions. They will look, stock. Also CM won't have Samsung stuff like s-note, s-planner etc. Do a google search on CM and look at pictures...
You can choose launcher on all roms. But you can't get Touchwiz on stock Android, as it uses Samsung framework stuff.
I hope this helps...
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

Where to go from here

So I'm one of the poor saps that has a locked 9.30.1 phone. I'd like to run KitKat, but need root. I can install SafeStrap find on this, and waste a ton of space to run a second ROM - but it is unclear what roms are available for safestrap installation. I don't need anything fancy, just an AOSP rooted kitkat running from safestrap - if that's even possible/available.
Any pointers?

You can only use ROMs that work with the stock kernel that your system ROM is running. KitKat's would be a different version, so that rules it out.
Unfortunately, your options are pretty limited. Try Nexesque if you want something stable with all the bloat removed.

killrhythm09 said:
You can only use ROMs that work with the stock kernel that your system ROM is running. KitKat's would be a different version, so that rules it out.
Unfortunately, your options are pretty limited. Try Nexesque if you want something stable with all the bloat removed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really all that critical then. Not a ton of KitKat features I really need, the better memory management would be nice, but not that necessary. I'll be fine hanging out on rooted 9.30.1 for now.

[Q] Can't get custom rom to load after install, keeps loading stock image

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. I am new to this custom ROM stuff and am trying my best to follow all the guides, but I have no idea what I'm doing wrong.
I have a Samsung Galaxy S4. Android version 4.4.2 and Build version KOT49H.I337UCUFNC1, so I've been following the NC1 guides. I was able to successfully root using towelroot and verified that it worked using a root checker app. I then installed SafeStrap, backed up my stock image, and put two different custom ROMs on my external microSD card, Graviton (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2372742) and PurifieD (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2454205). After creating another ROM slot, and performing a factory wipe using SafeStrap, I installed Graviton and it went through and told me to reboot. However, when the phone loaded again, it looked just like the stock ROM again. So I wiped everything again and did the same with PurifieD. It gave me all the installation options of what bloatware I wanna get rid of, etc and also seemed to install successfully. But once again, when I rebooted after installation, it looked just like stock again.
Am i doing something wrong? I really want to use these nice looking ROMs!!
And if I can get that to work, it seems like I have no 4G connection, even though WiFi works. I'm assuming http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=50965837 is the guide I will want to be looking at to make it work?
Thanks for the help

I assume they are based on GNG8 AND GNG1 and you are running FNC1.
The rom based on stockrom is important too.
I suppose you downloaded Purified HD's v3.3? Because it is based on FNC1.
Try roms made specifically for your device to avoid problems and bricking. Experimenting without knowledge is also not supported here. Plus people are not responsible here for bricked devices or any weird thing that happens.
Towelroot worked for your phone as it is a universal app, made for S5 by the great @geohot, but works for many devices.
EDIT : Well I totally missed the i337 part. Thank you @Lennyz1988.
Sent from my Ozcan GT-i9500 using XDA mobile app

You need to read more carefully.
You have a I337 model. NOT an I9505 or an I9500. You can't flash other roms to your device. Stick to your model only the AT&T. Try what DeepankarS tells you.From what I remember your stock rom needs to be the same as the rom you are trying to flash.

Thanks for the assistance fellas. And yeah, knowing that I was looking in the wrong threads would have been a better start and I'm lucky I didn't permanently damage my phone. Thanks again for the heads up.

eeric248 said:
Thanks for the assistance fellas. And yeah, knowing that I was looking in the wrong threads would have been a better start and I'm lucky I didn't permanently damage my phone. Thanks again for the heads up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anytime. But you can always port roms to your phone. There are a lot many ways to port a rom for your phone
*A bit of perfect copy paste skills required for that
Sent from my GT-I9500 using XDA Free mobile app

[Q] New to rooting and other related definitions

Dear XDA-Dev members,
I'm sorry in advance for my English, but I'll try my best.
For a long time, I never really wanted to root my phone, mainly because of the risks. That all changed lately and now I'm willing to root it, especially for the extra possibilities. I've been searching for a while now and found many different methods of rooting and a lot of definitions I'm not really aware of. So I got a few questions and I hope someone is willing to help me with this.
What exactly do definitions like, ROM, Stock ROM, flashing, whiping and root-related definitions mean? I guess it's some important knowledge for when I want to root my phone.
How do I know what builds are suitable for my phone? I recently updated to Android Lollipop and wish to keep that. I noticed a lot of functions are missing (Samsung???).
What exactly is the XPosed Framework and its modules I've been reading about?
Which method would be the easiest to use for rooting for the first time?
... And for installing a custom Android build?
My current installed apps/games/launcher (Apex), will these be gone? Or can they be restored?
Are there any other important things I need to know?
I don't have an external SD card yet, but I really need to get one, as my internal storage is getting kinda full.
At last, I've included my device information here: imgur.com/a/eKm1F (can't post the link directly due to XDA's anti-spam-thingy)
I really hope someone is willing to help me. Thank you in advance!

Start by reading this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2419762
- What exactly do definitions like, ROM, Stock ROM, flashing, whiping and root-related definitions mean? Can be easily found by a simple google search
- What exactly is the XPosed Framework and its modules I've been reading about? Can also be found by a simple search.
- How do I know what builds are suitable for my phone? I recently updated to Android Lollipop and wish to keep that. I noticed a lot of functions are missing (Samsung???). Every up to date custom rom is based Lollipop. And no there are no functions missing.
- For rooting you should use cf auto-root i9505. Type it in the search bar in the right corner of your screen.
- For installing custom roms you need a custom recovery. Use Philz of TWRP.
Last tip. Start reading and just do it. You can't destroy your phone.

Thank you. But once again, how do I know what custom rom is suitable for my device?
I'll read all the links posted.

rcth said:
Thank you. But once again, how do I know what custom rom is suitable for my device?
I'll read all the links posted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone rom that's in the I9505 section.

Xpose is not available to lollipop yet.
Check the most popular Roms and start from there.
If u are already at Lolipoo , You'll probably need to update the bootloader to the same of the rom u intent to flash.
U must learn how to use ODIN. U could easy flash a pre rooted rom from ODIN.
Roms, bootloaders, modems and kernel is what u can change.
Bootloader only if needed, modem also.
Roms and kernels I do keep up to date.
Start with Imperium ROM maybe.
Flash by ODIN a recovery, like TWRP, reboot recovery, wipe everything and flash the rom.
Pretty simple but u must read a lot to not get lost in the way.
Welcome
Since is your first time. Search for IMEI backup. I've never used my backup but heard some scary stories about lost imei.
Start safe!
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Xposed is available for Android 5.0.1 but is still being tested and refined.
Before attempting to do ANYTHING, install Wanam EFS Backup and back up the IMEI. Losing the IMEI is not fun.
Other than that, start reading and stop asking what the best ROM is. The best ROM is the one that meets your needs.

How long does it usually take for xposed to update to android 5.1?
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rcth said:
How long does it usually take for xposed to update to android 5.1?
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When it's done.

Strephon Alkhalikoi said:
Xposed is available for Android 5.0.1 but is still being tested and refined.
Before attempting to do ANYTHING, install Wanam EFS Backup and back up the IMEI. Losing the IMEI is not fun.
Other than that, start reading and stop asking what the best ROM is. The best ROM is the one that meets your needs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My phone is currently on 5.0.1. Can I install Xposed and its modules after I've rooted my phone? If so, which download should I take?
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Yes.
Look in the Xposed thread.
I don't use Xposed on my S4 as the ROM I use has built-in virtually everything I would have used Xposed for. Xposed for my Android 2.3.7 device is a different story. I need it there for the Master Key fix, since I no longer update the custom ROM I made for the device.

Hi,i root my phone.please what next.
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